A Little Bit Scandalous Page 0,74

for the curtain on the small window to catch a glimpse at where they were, where they were going, but he lifted the gun. “You’ll see soon enough where we’re going. I have something very important for you to do.” He moved the gun back and forth. “Not certain yet what I will do with this one.”

What was he to have her do? Caroline reached over and grabbed Gretchen’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Whatever else happened, she would do everything she could to keep the girl safe.

The carriage rolled to a stop and Mr. Lamb opened the door and climbed out. “Come along, you two, we’re here.”

Caroline climbed down the steps and found herself standing on Tilney Street, the row of brown brick townhomes stood in front of her, tall soldiers guarding the castle. Mr. Lamb poked the pistol into her back and pushed her forward.

“This one,” he said. “Number 234, up those stairs.”

She did as he bade, Gretchen holding tightly to her hand. Perhaps this would be her moment to escape? Surely, he wouldn’t want the residents of this house to know he’d taken hostages. Then Mr. Lamb stepped around them and slammed the big knocker into the door. It opened and a small, round man stood there, spectacles covering his eyes. “Ah, Mr. Lamb,” he said in a voice too deep for his stature. He didn’t so much as glance in the direction of the pistol. “Her ladyship is in the yellow parlor. You and your guests…” He eyed Caroline and Gretchen with suspicion. “Can go and see her in there.”

“Very good,” Mr. Lamb said. He moved them toward the last door of the corridor that opened to the right. “Lady Winguard, I’ve come to discuss our arrangement.”

“It is about time, Nigel, my patience wears thin.”

Caroline recognized the voice and looked around Mr. Lamb to find Lady Winguard sitting there. “Sweet Hildy” as she’d introduced herself to Caroline at the board meeting.

“Hildy, I’m so pleased to see you,” Caroline said. “It would seem Mr. Lamb has seen fit to kidnap me and Gretchen, and I would greatly appreciate your assistance.”

Hildy looked at her and smiled sweetly, but there was nothing kind about her eyes. She said nothing to her, rather looked back at Mr. Lamb. “What is Miss Jellico doing here?” she asked, ignoring Caroline’s question.

“She is the answer to my problem. Mother, she is the best card player I’ve ever seen. She can beat anyone. I will earn the money I owe you back, plus more,” he said with a grin.

“I’ve told you on countless occasions never to call me that,” Hildy snapped.

“Yes, of course, Lady Winguard, my apologies.”

Caroline swung around to look at Mr. Lamb in shock. “She’s your mother?” That was why Hildy had been so against them investigating him, she had been trying to protect her son.

Hildy shrugged. “A youthful discretion. Our relation is not a well-known fact.” She turned back to Nigel. “Even if she is that good, how many nights will she have to play to earn back that money? You are in so deep, Nigel.”

“One night. Tonight,” Nigel said.

“You kidnapped me! You must be mad if you think I’ll play for you!” Caroline said.

Hildy patted her on the arm in a reassuring manner and smiled. “Now, dear, there’s no point in throwing a temper tantrum.” Then she looked at Nigel. “How do you suggest we do that?”

“There is a high-stakes game later today at Pollard’s,” he said. “We buy her in, let her play, and then enjoy her winnings.”

“I will not play!”

Hildy tilted her head thoughtfully to the side. “My dear, as women we do many things that are distasteful.” She looked at Mr. Lamb, frowning. “But I’m afraid I must agree. She is a lady. You can’t drag her into a gaming hell. They won’t let her play.”

“She’s been playing at Rodale’s for months, dressed as a man. We’ll dress her up and no one will be the wiser.”

“How very peculiar.” Hildy smiled benignly. “Well that does change things.”

Caroline’s heart thundered in her chest. “And if I refuse?” Though she feared she already knew the answer to that question.

“Then we’ll kill Gretchen and her two sisters. That enough incentive for you?” Mr. Lamb asked.

“If she’s as good as you say, I won’t want to let her go,” Hildy said with a devious grin. “I could use a new source of steady income.”

“That’s ridiculous. Monroe will find me,” Caroline said.

“He won’t know where to look for you, my